Elk Grove Residents Rally For Bel Air
ELK GROVE (CBS13) — Several people picketed Sunday in Elk Grove with hopes of saving their favorite neighborhood grocery store.
Raley's-Bel Air announced the Raley's on Orangeburg Avenue in Modesto and the Bel Air on Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove will shut their doors, which is troubling news for their loyal customers.
"This is not just a store for us," Lindsay Cathcart said in front of the Bel Air in Elk Grove. "It's a part of our community. It's part of my daily life and I don't want any other store. It's important."
"For people here who don't have a car, anyone can walk to this store," added Sherri Simunich, who organized the rally. "This is where we've been shopping for over 30 years. It's very important to us. "
Supporters came out in droves in Elk Grove, waving signs as cars honked to show their support
Store officials say 81 employees in Elk Grove and 76 in Modesto will be affected by the closures. Employees with seniority will be moved to other locations.
"I don't think they are struggling as much as they say," Cathcart said. "It's an easy way to cut, and it's cutting from our hearts and a lot of our convenience."
Protestors against the closures passed around a petition collecting signatures hoping to save their store.
"It's devastating," Cathcart said. "The clientele here is young families who moved here and old people. We rely on this store."
Officials with the West Sacramento-based chain say they need to reduce cost to continue to provide quality products at affordable prices.
